Chapter 1287
No.1
Outside, Victoria kicked angrily at the grass. That wretched Isabella had ruined everything. Those photos could end her career if they ever got out. She had to crush Isabella before she rose any higher.
Just then, she spotted a man walking toward her, holding a bouquet of roses.
Her eyes lit up. Of course. How could she have forgotten?
The man walking toward her was Harrison Caldwell, Alexander Whitmore's personal assistant. It seemed Alexander was determined to marry Isabella Montgomery.
‘Once Isabella is married… A married woman can’t possibly continue modeling. Especially if she gets pregnant…’ Victoria Kensington smiled to herself, her mood instantly lifting.
“Are those flowers for Isabella? You should treat her well,” Victoria said sweetly.
“Yes, Miss Kensington.” Harrison bowed his head, though confusion swirled inside him. Wasn’t Chairman Alexander supposed to be dating Victoria? Why was he suddenly pursuing Isabella? And why did Victoria seem supportive instead of jealous?
He knew better than to question his superiors. His only task was to deliver the bouquet.
Nearby, a sleek black luxury car idled at the curb. Nathaniel Blackwood sat in the backseat, holding ninety-nine rare angel’s trumpets. A small card rested atop the blossoms: [Your beauty eclipses them all.]
No.2
“Do you think she’ll like these?” Nathaniel asked, his voice tense. “Flowers are a safe choice, right?”
Sebastian Blackwood nodded confidently. “Absolutely. Women adore flowers. These angel’s trumpets perfectly match her elegance and status. If she displays them at home, she’ll think of you every time she sees them. Far better than those desserts she devoured without a second thought.”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened. He remembered the elaborate pastries he had crafted for her. Her only response had been a terse, “Stop sending these.” It was the first time a woman had outright rejected his advances. Perhaps flowers would work better.
Just then, Isabella emerged from the building. Nathaniel adjusted his tie, ready to step out with the magnificent bouquet. Oliver Blackwood, sitting beside him, pumped his fist. “Good luck, Dad!”
Nathaniel gave a curt nod. But as he moved to exit the vehicle, he saw another man—Harrison—approach her first, presenting a lavish arrangement of roses.
“Miss Montgomery, these are from Chairman Alexander Whitmore. Imported French roses. He personally selected each and every bloom.”
Harrison deliberately emphasized that Alexander had chosen the flowers himself, his tone dripping with condescension. He knew Isabella had once desperately craved Alexander’s attention. Surely she would be overjoyed to finally receive his affection.
So what if she was the infamous Diamond Boss? She just got lucky. Underneath it all, she was still that uncultured, worthless woman who relied on men.
He expected a gushing, grateful response.
No.3
Instead, Isabella scoffed. “Alexander picked out these generic flowers himself? His taste is truly appalling.”
She brushed past him, her shoulder knocking against his. Harrison stood frozen in shock. Did she just insult Alexander’s taste? Hadn’t she pined for him for years? Hadn’t she dreamed of this moment?
Victoria watched the scene unfold, equally stunned. Isabella didn’t care anymore? After fifteen years of obsessive love and relentless pursuit, she had just… moved on? Just like that?
Nathaniel halted, his hand on the car door. He looked down at the exquisite flowers in his grasp.
‘Generic flowers?’ ‘Appalling taste?’
He threw the bouquet into a nearby trash bin and shot a sharp, disapproving glare at Sebastian.
Sebastian offered a weak, apologetic smile. “Well… I suppose our sister-in-law has rather unique preferences?”
Meanwhile, Harrison remembered his chairman’s strict orders. Swallowing his pride, he hurried after Isabella. “Miss Montgomery, please accept these as a token of the chairman’s genuine affection. If you have any issues, please discuss them with him directly. Don’t put me in such a difficult position…”
Isabella stopped and turned, a look of pure ridicule on her face.
No.4
“What? Do you need me to sign a receipt for them too?”
A strange unease twisted in Harrison Caldwell’s stomach. He couldn’t explain the sudden dread.
Isabella Montgomery moved without warning. Her leg shot out in a sharp, controlled arc.
A crisp, crushing sound tore through the air.
The vibrant angel trumpets were instantly destroyed. Only broken stems remained in the bouquet Harrison still clutched. “We’re done here,” Isabella said coldly. “Leave. Now.”
She was once so gentle. So obedient. When did she become this fierce? This untamable?
Inside the car, Oliver Blackwood clapped his small hands. “Mommy is amazing! That was so cool! Daddy, you have to try harder! Go get her! Don’t let anyone else take her!”
Nathaniel Blackwood considered his son’s words. Pursue her? How? With Isabella’s fiery spirit, she’d likely dismiss him completely.
He glanced at Sebastian, irritation flaring. “Weren’t you the expert on romance? Why are you so quiet now?”
No.5
“I know nothing,” Sebastian replied quickly. “I’m just the driver. A very dedicated driver.”
Dedicated? Nathaniel’s mouth curved into a faint, humorless smile. “I have a plan,” he told Oliver. “Just follow my lead.”
The confrontation over, Isabella strode toward the parking lot. She swung a leg over her motorcycle, ready to depart.
“Mommy! Mommy!”
She turned. Nathaniel was walking toward her, Oliver perched high on his shoulders. The boy looked tiny and adorable up there. Nathaniel’s frame was solid and powerful. The contrast was striking. A handsome man. A precious child. It was a captivating image.
Isabella’s brow furrowed. “What are you doing here?” Her tone was sharp, unwelcoming. Nathaniel was accustomed to her coldness. “Last time, your advice was invaluable,” he stated calmly. “I remembered every word. Oliver’s school has a trip today. I took the day off. We’re going to the amusement park.”
Her expression softened slightly. She was surprised he was actually trying.
“However,” Nathaniel continued, his voice earnest, “this is my first time taking him out like this. It’s a crowded place. I’m concerned I won’t be able to manage him properly. That’s why I sought you out. For your guidance.”
“Well…” Isabella studied his serious face. She began instructing him in a firm tone. “He’s still small. Avoid extreme rides. No rollercoasters. No pendulum swings. The park will be packed. You must watch him constantly. It’s easy to get separated. Also—”
No.6
Suddenly, Oliver began to sob. Loud, dramatic tears. “I—I want Mommy to protect me! Daddy is a man! He’s not careful! He’s already lost me ninety-eight times!”
“Ninety-eight times?” Isabella gasped, horrified.
Oliver nodded pitifully. “Shopping. Work. Parties. Banquets. He always forgets me! I don’t feel safe! I don’t want to go with Daddy! I won’t go!”
“Oliver, be reasonable,” Nathaniel said patiently. “I’ll watch you closely this time. It’s a school trip. All your friends will be there. They’ll tease you if you don’t go.”
This only made Oliver cry harder. He was hysterical. “No! No! I’m not going! I refuse!”
He thrashed in Nathaniel’s arms, his small limbs flailing. In the struggle, he launched himself forward.
He landed squarely in Isabella’s embrace.
Isabella’s brow furrowed as she looked down at Oliver, nestled in her arms. “Momo, what’s the matter? Your father cleared his entire schedule to take you to the amusement park. Why don’t you want to go? As long as you stay close and don’t run off, you won’t get separated from him.”
Oliver sniffled pitifully, his small frame trembling. “I don’t… I don’t want to go anymore.” Fresh tears began to stream down his cheeks.
No.7
Isabella was typically detached, indifferent to the emotions of others. Yet something about Oliver’s distress pierced through her usual reserve. Her heart clenched painfully. She held him tighter. “Momo, you can tell me what’s wrong. I’ll talk to your father. He won’t be allowed to upset you.”
The boy wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “It’s not Daddy… It’s not his fault. The teacher said this trip is for families. For moms and dads to be with their kids. All the other children will have both their parents there. This morning, Ethan called me. He was bragging… His mommy bought him a new bubble machine!”
He took a shaky breath, his voice cracking. “Momo doesn’t have a mom. If I go, they’ll just tease me again. I’d rather stay home by myself and cry. It’s better than being laughed at!” His sobs intensified, his small body shaking uncontrollably.
Isabella’s shoulder grew damp with his tears. She could feel the profound sadness radiating from him. It was heartbreaking.
She glanced up at Nathaniel, her expression stern. “Countless women would jump at the chance to be on your arm. Surely the great Nathaniel Blackwood can find a suitable companion for one day.”
“I considered that,” Nathaniel replied, his voice low and serious. “But the background checks were concerning. Their primary motivation is to become Mrs. Blackwood. With that ambition, Oliver becomes a pawn. His safety is my utmost priority. I cannot risk it.”
Isabella frowned. He was right. What woman wouldn’t want to marry Nathaniel Blackwood? The power, the prestige. Many would see a child as an obstacle to be removed. The thought made her blood run cold.
She suddenly became aware of their intense gazes fixed on her. Both father and son were watching her with a silent, unnerving expectancy. A shiver ran down her spine.
“I… I have prior engagements today,” she stated quickly, averting her eyes. “I can’t accompany you to the amusement park.”